Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields (Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World)
Lynn Curlee Wonders of the World Series
What’s inside...
Lynn Curlee’s richly illustrated non-fiction picture book traces the evolution of America’s baseball stadiums—from the first enclosed field in the 1860s through modern, retro-classic parks. Using vivid paintings and concise, fact-packed prose, Curlee shows how architecture, technology, and social change shaped the places where America’s pastime is played. The book moves chronologically, spotlighting iconic parks such as Fenway, Wrigley, Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium, the Astrodome, and Camden Yards while explaining cultural shifts like urbanization, night games, team relocations, and the push for historic preservation. Readers discover how ballparks mirror American history and community life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Babe Ruth
Discussion points
Which ballpark design do you like most and why?
How did technology like lights change baseball culture?
Should old stadiums be preserved or replaced?
What makes a good community gathering space?
How do sports reflect the times we live in?
Tip: Role play these questions
Compare photos of current local stadiums; visit a nearby park to observe design elements discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Change is constant
Explanation: Stadiums evolve with new needs and technologies.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to changing schools or neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Community matters
Explanation: Fans rally together to save or build parks.
Real-World Application: Inspires civic engagement and local pride.
Example Lesson: Innovation solves problems
Explanation: Domes and lights extended playing seasons.
Real-World Application: Encourages creative thinking for everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: History lives in places
Explanation: Ballparks preserve memories of legendary games.
Real-World Application: Motivates respect for historic sites at home.